Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for People.

The report outlines the pre-consultation work undertaken by officers with key stakeholders for Children’s Centres.

The Scrutiny Committee are requested to consider and comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Viki Packman on Tel: 474 5709 or email: viki.packman.stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for People submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the arrangements for the consultation on the proposed changes to Children’s Centres as part of the Investing in Stockport Proposals, and the outcome of pre-consultation engagement with Children Centres users.

The Executive Councillor (Children & Young People) was also in attendance to answer questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

It was reported that initial feedback had indicated a high level of support overall for the proposals. Other feedback had indicated that there was uncertainty of the impact of the proposals so additional information had been provided as part of the consultation material to ensure clarity.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Concerns were raised about the impact of changes in the operation of Children’s Centres for those living in pockets of deprivation outside of Priority Areas, particularly if they were then required to travel to larger centres to access services. In response it was stated that the proposed changes to Centres were to provide greater flexibility in the use of the spaces and that established provision would continue. It was also stressed that the Integrated Prevention and Safeguarding Service would seek to target those children and families in need regardless of location and to provide assistance with travel if needed.

·         Further clarification was sought on the implications of the changes to the Department for Education requirements in relation to the capital spend on Centres. It was stated that the requirements related to the provision of Children Centre services, and that these would be continuing, so it was the view of the People Directorate that its obligations were being fulfilled.

·         In response to questions about discussions with schools on Children’s Centres embedded within these facilities it was stated that feedback to the proposals from Head Teachers had been positive.

·         Some councillors expressed board support for the principal of the proposals.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.